In my last video on the Sony F5 and F55, I showed how firmware version 3.0 adds many new features to the cameras including a 2K Center Scan mode, which is just the right size for use with Super 16mm lenses.

The 2K Center Scan mode of the camera pulls a 2K or HD center region of the sensor, while the "normal" imager scan mode in the camera uses the full 4K data, even when recording in HD, so of course we wanted to test the 2K Center Scan mode versus the full 4K mode.

During a recent F5/F55 Intensive class here at AbelCine Burbank, we got a chance to compare these two modes. We were all impressed to see that the 2K Center Scan mode made great HD images. In fact, both modes could be easily matched and cut together.

For those of you who have access to high-quality Super 16mm lenses, the 2K Center Scan mode of firmware 3.0, in essence, turns your F5 or F55 into the best implementation of a digital 2K Super16 camera we have seen to date. This mode may come in useful when you're looking to achieve less shallow depth of field than full sensor, or take advantage of the lighter weight and wider zoom range that Super16 zoom lenses provide.

No doubt there will be many applications for this 2K Center Scan / Super 16mm mode, so check out my video above to learn more.

Share this Article

Related Products

The manufacturer requires us to advertise this product at a set price (Minimum Advertised Price).
However, we sell this item at a reduced price. To see our price, simply click the Add to Cart button. You are under no obligation to purchase the item.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Back in January, Juliet wrote a fairly extensive post explaining the process of getting HFR recording working on your Sony F55 or F5. It's a great feature that many people are excited about, but a common question that pops up is, "Why can't I use LUTs when shooting in the HFR mode?" LUTs can definitely make your life easier when shooting in S-Log, so Alister Chapman has found an interesting workaround over on XDCam-User.

Several months ago, Sony released a new user-changeable 2K optical low pass filter for their F5 and F55 cameras. The filters are incredibly easy to swap out by loosening just a single Philips screw in the upper right hand corner (yellow arrow in first picture above) of the filter. Simply slide the 4K filter to the right, and pull it away from the camera. The 2K filter then snaps right in, slides to the right, and is held in place with the same Philips screw.